Each year, Canadians mark April 28 as the National Day of Mourning, to honour and remember those whose lives have been forever altered by a workplace tragedy. Memorial events are held across Canada and around the world. It is important to remember the live lost and the lives changed, both to respect those who have suffered and are suffering, and to renew our own commitment to reducing and, ultimately, eliminating these tragic outcomes. Take a minute at 11:00 today to remember, honour and commit to a safe workplace.
Why We Mourn
In the 21 year period from 1993 to 2013, 18,941 people lost their lives due to work-related causes (an average of 902 deaths per year) in Canada. We observe the Day of Mourning both to show our respect to the families who have suffered such loss, and to strengthen our resolve to establish safe conditions in the workplace and prevent injuries and deaths. It is a day to remember the dead and to commit to protecting the living.
The National Day of Mourning was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress. Since then, about 80 countries around the world have recognized the Day of Mourning and it has been adopted by the AFL-CIO and the International Confederation of Free Trade.